Environmental Educator at Hudson River Park Trust

Hudson River Park Trust (Trust) is seeking a full-time Environmental Educator to administer and implement Hudson River Park’s environmental education programs, and to assist with various environmental stewardship projects and other Environment and Education (E&E) Department activities as necessary.

BackgroundThe Trust, a New York State public benefit corporation, is charged with designing, constructing and operating Hudson River Park.Among the Trust’s major goals include improving the Park’s estuarine sanctuary through public education, research and habitat enhancement and providing free and low-cost enrichment and recreational opportunities for Park patrons. Hudson River Park spans approximately five miles along Manhattan’s Hudson River waterfront from 59th street to Battery Place.In addition to the approximately 150 acres of upland and piers, the Park is also comprised of nearly 400 acres of the Hudson River that has been legislatively designated as an estuarine sanctuary. To properly manage this estuarine sanctuary, the Trust created an Estuarine Sanctuary Management Plan (ESMP) which focuses+ on achieving goals in expanding waterfront access, fostering environmental education, natural resource protection and research.

The Trust’s E&E Department offers environmental education public programming throughout the year.These programs provide Park patrons with first-hand educational experiences about the history, ecology and wildlife of the Park, the Hudson River and the City.The Trust offers both pre-scheduled classes for organized school and summer camp groups as well as interactive, educational experiences for Park patrons.The Trust also participates in citizen science initiatives and fosters partnerships with research organizations to promote research and habitat enhancement initiatives within the estuarine sanctuary.In addition, E&E Department staff engages on a more limited basis, in other enrichment activities such as historic walking tours, facilitation of Park patron access to visiting historic vessels, and assisting with partner organization enrichment programming in the Park.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Environmental Educator reports to the Vice President of Environment and Education and the Education and Stewardship Director. Responsibilities include:

Administration of E&E programs including scheduling and permitting camp and school groups for participation in E&E Department programming.

Implementation of E&E programs which includes setting up and breaking down outdoor teaching sites throughout the park as well as teaching all programs.

Provide feedback on the effectiveness and quality of programs and assist in the continuing development of program curricula, the development of new programs, and otherwise assist with department advancement initiatives as needed.

Work with Director of Education as needed to assist with the hiring, training and supervision of seasonal staff, interns and volunteers.

Track, maintain and replenish program supplies inventory.

Assist with building and maintaining relationships and partnerships with schools, community groups and research organizations.

Some educational programs require direct interaction with marine and other animals.Environmental Educator must provide proper husbandry and accurate record keeping of such animals.

When not otherwise engaged in programming duties, Environmental Educator will be asked to assist in various other department activities such as, the creation of program brochures, development and maintenance of educational exhibits and displays, and other department tasks as necessary.

The above stated job responsibilities include a combination of administrative and field tasks. Environmental Educator should be comfortable working both in the office and outdoors.The position requires some manual labor and someone who is willing and able to work in all weather conditions.

During the Park’s peak programming season from May through August, Environmental Educator will be expected to maintain a flexible schedule and will be asked to frequently work weekends and occasionally work evenings as programs necessitate.During off peak season, this position will have a set schedule of normal business hours with occasional weekend days or evenings if a particular program or special event necessitates.

Education, Skills and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree or higher level of education in environmental science, education or other related field.

General knowledge of environmental science and policy, with a specific understanding and appreciation of the Hudson River ecological system and its sub-systems.

At least one year of experience in environmental education or a related field.Some supervisory experience is preferred.

Knowledge of strengths and limitations of various learning theories and the ability to utilize effective teaching strategies.

Competitive salary and excellent benefits package including: paid holidays, vacation time, sick and personal time, medical, dental and vision insurance, and participation in New York State Pension System.

Application Process:

Interested applicants are to submit a resume and cover letter to Sharmila Baichu, Manager of Human Resources. Email a cover letter (Indicate Job Code: HRPT-11272013 in the subject line of the email), resume; and the names and contact information of three references to: resumes@hrpt.ny.gov

The same application materials can also be sent by regular mail to:

Hudson River Park Trust

353 West Street

Pier 40, 2nd Floor

New York, New York 10014

Attn: Human Resources Department

Please include JOB CODE Job Code: HRPT-11272013EE on the envelope or in the subject line of the fax transmission.